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Stuffed Meatball Calories
Traditional bulgur and minced meat shell stuffed with spiced ground meat
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Stuffed Meatball (80 g) has 168 calories. That works out to 210 calories per 100 g. It contains 18.4 g of carbs, 8.4 g of protein, 6.8 g of fat and 1.8 g of fiber. Its 0.7 µg of B12 covers 28% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 55 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
What is Stuffed Meatball?
Stuffed meatballs, known in Turkey as içli köfte, have a fine bulgur shell wrapped around a seasoned minced-meat filling. They are especially associated with southeastern and eastern Turkish cooking, with onions and sometimes walnuts in the filling; recipes and shapes vary by region and household.
The outside is crisp when fried and tender when boiled, while the savoury centre stays soft and aromatic. They are usually served hot, often with lemon and fresh greens, as part of a meal or for a special gathering. Bulgur and meat make them a filling choice, with 10.5 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter plate, choose the boiled version and pair it with a fresh salad.
Stuffed Meatball Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
210
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
23g
· 8% DV
Protein
10.5g
· 21% DV
Fat
8.5g
· 11% DV
Fiber
2.2g
· 8% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 44% · Protein 20% · Fat 36%
Stuffed Meatball Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.85µg · 35% DV
B3
2.1mg · 13% DV
Biotin
3.5µg · 12% DV
B5
0.55mg · 11% DV
Minerals
Zinc
2mg · 18% DV
Phosphorus
110mg · 16% DV
Selenium
8.5µg · 15% DV
Sodium
310mg · 13% DV
How Nutritious Is Stuffed Meatball?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Stuffed Meatball Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Stuffed Meatball
To burn the 210 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Stuffed Meatball Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Stuffed Meatball Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Stuffed Meatball Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Stuffed Meatball Fat Profile
SATURATED
3.1g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.2g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.1g
Omega 6:3 ratio 3.1:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Meatball
What is inside a stuffed meatball?
A Turkish stuffed meatball typically has a bulgur shell filled with seasoned minced meat and onion, often with walnuts. Recipes vary by region, and some fillings include herbs or use different spices.
How do you cook a stuffed meatball: fried or boiled?
A stuffed meatball can be fried or boiled, depending on the regional style. Frying gives it a crisp exterior, while boiling keeps the shell softer; follow the method specified by your recipe.
Why does a stuffed meatball fall apart when frying?
A stuffed meatball can split if its bulgur shell is too thin, the seam is not sealed, or the oil is not hot enough. Chill the shaped meatballs and seal any cracks before frying to help them hold together.
Can you freeze a stuffed meatball?
Yes, freeze a stuffed meatball before cooking for best results. Freeze the pieces separately on a tray, then transfer them to a sealed container; cook from frozen rather than thawing, so the shell is less likely to soften.
What do you serve with a stuffed meatball?
Serve a stuffed meatball with lemon and a fresh salad or greens to balance its rich filling. Yogurt or a yogurt-based sauce is another common pairing, especially with the fried version.
Where does the stuffed meatball come from?
The Turkish stuffed meatball, içli köfte, is especially associated with southeastern and eastern Mediterranean Turkish cooking. Similar bulgur-shell dishes are found across the broader Middle East, with different shapes, fillings, and cooking methods.
How is a Turkish stuffed meatball different from Levantine kibbeh?
Turkish içli köfte is a type of kibbeh, but recipes differ across the region. Turkish versions are often shaped as ridged ovals and may be fried or boiled, while Levantine kibbeh also includes baked and raw preparations.
Can you bake a stuffed meatball instead of deep-frying it?
Yes, a stuffed meatball can be baked, usually with a light coating of oil. Baking uses less oil than deep-frying, though the shell may not become as crisp and the texture will differ from the traditional fried version.
How do you keep a stuffed meatball shell from cracking?
Keep the bulgur shell evenly thick and seal it completely around the filling. Moisten your hands as you shape it, avoid overfilling, and patch small cracks before cooking; these steps help the shell stay intact.
How long do cooked stuffed meatballs last in the fridge?
Keep cooked stuffed meatballs in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Refrigerate leftovers promptly rather than leaving the minced-meat filling at room temperature, and reheat them thoroughly before serving.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.